Page 128 of Racing Hearts

I hold Alek’s hand as we walk under the cherry blossoms, my camera bouncing on my chest. I can’t help but smile. “Remember how we met here before?”

It’s become our place, where we met, argued, reconciled, and now come to be together when both of our lives are super busy. When it’s a person you love, though, you make time to spend with them no matter how busy you are. I came straight from the shoot, and he took a break from painting so we could spend some time together.

We wander down the path, my eyes lifting to the trees as I breathe in deeply, letting it relax my soul.

“Evan?” Alek tugs me to a stop, and I blink, glancing at him. His cheeks are red, and he looks shy as he pulls a box from his pocket. “I got you something. Well, us something really.” He rubs his neck, a sure sign he’s worried, which is so fucking adorable.

“What is that?” I murmur, staring at the deep purple box.

“It’s a ring. I got us both one. It isn’t a proposal, not yet, but a promise that one day, this ring will be a proposal when you’re ready,” he admits as he opens it to show two black rings inside. The middles glitter with something, as if filled, and they are stunning.

I lift my eyes to his, shocked and so happy I want to cry. “And when that day comes, I’ll say yes,” I tell him without hesitation as I pluck a ring from the box and grab his hand, sliding it onto his index finger. He grins and grabs the other one, sliding it on mine, and we hold our hands up, watching them glitter together.

“This way, wherever we are, we are together,” he murmurs, kissing my finger before pressing his forehead to mine, wrapping his arms around me. “Always joined. I’ll always have you with me, just like I want, and when the time comes, I’ll replace it with a diamond?—”

“A big one,” I tease, and he grins.

“A big one, such a rich prick,” he jokes.

Kissing him, I taste the love on his lips as our ringed hands twine, locking together. “I love it, and I love you.”

“I love you,” he murmurs, “from the very bottom of my heart, the one you make race every single day.”

“Cheese ball,” I tease, but I can’t contain my smile.

Under the blossoming trees, I let go of my past and worries, and I hand them over to him to keep safe.

Instead, I let myself be happy.

We found love in an unexpected place. It wasn’t easy, but it’s so worth it, and I’ll fight for it every day of our lives because my racing heart is his too.

EPILOGUE

“Fuck, fuck, fuck! Fuck that little prick. I should have known he would do this. He had so many demands! I should beat some manners into him,” Noah rants as I wipe my hands on a rag and join the others watching him.

“What’s wrong, boss?” I call despite the others gesturing for me not to interrupt.

Noah turns toward me, looking more flustered than I have ever seen him. “I’ll tell you what, that new fucking racer we hired? He joined another team. We have one week until the qualifiers for the championship, and we have to enter two racers, and I only have one!” he yells, his chest heaving.

My eyebrows rise. I’ve spent weeks painting that car for the little brat, and he left? Shit, did he get a better offer? That’s so fucked up. Starfire Racing is the best, so why would he ruin his shot like that? If anyone is reaching that title, it’s us, and he knew it, which is why he came on board. I suppose it doesn’t matter now, but I think Noah might explode if he gets any more worked up.

“I know someone,” I tell him, trying to hide my smile. “He’s one hell of a racer. A bit of an ass, but he’ll fit right in, and he’s been dying for a chance to race for this team.”

He’s been down lately, distant and worried about his future. Some might call me a good friend, but I’m just sick of him turning up drunk at my door. This might give him purpose again and stop him from interrupting my and Evan’s date nights.

“Call him,” Noah demands, striding over.

Grabbing my phone, I hit his number. “Skylar?” I say when there’s a groan.

“I didn’t vomit in your bushes. That was Evan,” he mutters, his voice thick.

“Are you hung over? Never mind. I have an opportunity for you. Starfire needs a racer. Do you want in?”

There’s silence for a moment, and then I hear heavy breathing. “Are you fucking with me?”

“Nope. You get one shot. Don’t fuck it up. Give it your all and be here tomorrow.” Hanging up, I smile at Noah. “He’s in. You got yourself a new racer. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

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